Barking set to host beach parties

Barking Town Square will host beach volleyball this summer under plans to boost trade in the run-up to the Olympic Games.

Shoppers will also enjoy making sand sculptures and a cultural pavilion called Create will open.

Beach parties will go ahead every Saturday as part of efforts to bolster trade, said Bold and Dynamic – the business arm of Barking and Dagenham Council.

The town centre pavilion will provide a platform for cultural activities and the Molten Art Festival will return in September. The activities will be partly paid for by the mayor of London’s Outer London Fund.